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ROBERT JOYNER Obituary

ROBERT "WADE" JOYNER On April 14, 2011 Wade went peacefully to sleep in his home for the last time. He had suffered for a few years with health issues. His heart was finally too weak to keep pace with the tremendous amount of love he shared with all he knew. Wade was born in Tacoma. Graduated from Mt. Tahoma HS in 1969. After attending a year at Montana St Univ and sustaining a football injury, he returned home and trained at Bates Vocational School to enter the field of firefighting. He spent 15 years at the Fife Fire Dept reaching the level of Asst Chief before hiring on with Sumner Fire Dept as their Fire Chief, where he spent 10 years. He helped design and oversaw the building of a new fire station in Sumner. He was proud of this accomplishment. After his retirement from the fire service, he worked a few other jobs including ferry dock hand, staff member at the Red Cross, and a weekend golf marshal at Tahoma Valley Golf course. He enjoyed fishing when time permitted but his favorite pastime and passion became golf which he did as often as he could. Wade is loved and admired by many, but most of all by his loving wife Heidi, son Brock (Tigard OR); mother Jurene Joyner; sister Julie Wals (Jeff); brother Lance (Michelle); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert D. Joyner. A celebration of the life of this phenomenal man will be held on Saturday, April 30, at the couple's home in Sumner. Open house style 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. The family requests that you donate to a charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Apr. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT JOYNER

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Rick Joyal

April 30, 2011

My Deepest Condolence's to the Joyner Family. Julie I was so suprised and sad upon reading Wade's Obit. May GOD be with You all during this difficult time.

Mike Grant

April 25, 2011

My son told me of this sad event and it was difficult to accept.
Wade and I have crossed paths many times in the past and I look forward to seeing him when they pass again.
I first met Wade at a State Fire Instructor class at some fire station near Belfair WA back when he was at Fife, Fire District 10. We hit it off immediately and I had always enjoyed being in his company. We have seen action together and have enjoyed calmer times where we could sit and chat about whatever but mainly the fire service. I will miss you.
My heart goes out to his family.
The Fire Community has suffered a great loss in Wades passing.
North Puyallup 11 / Edgewood 8

David & Marge Blauvelt

April 24, 2011

Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of one with whom the fire service was not a job but indeed a calling. Wade started with Chief Thomas at Fife a few short years after I started with Midland under Chief David McPherson. There were a number of dramatic changes which took place in Pierce Co during his career which are too numerous to mention here. Wade was among the pioneers in that he went through that momentous change in the direction which the fire service found itself on January 15, 1972. Jack Webb introduced the program "EMERGENCY" and the race was on. The dynamics of the fire service went from fire as the primary focus to EMS. Chief Joyner and I worked together on a number of important issues from EMS to Fire Prevention over the years. There aren't many of us left from those pioneer days and it appears as if the Good Lord needed another with a genuine heart for serving others.

Brad Moericke

April 22, 2011

Wade gave me my start in the fire service in Sumner in 1988 and for that I am eternally greatful. He was a great guy to work for and to work with. Many a fond memory back in those days. He loved his profession and his family and it showed in everything he did.

Lane Simone Johnson

April 22, 2011

I've known Wade since 1971. Sometimes years would go by between visits, but it always seemed like the time gaps did not exist. I've always thought of him as one of the nicest people I could ever meet. I am honored to have had times of laughter with Wade. Sincere condolences to his family. Lane Simone Johnson

Wayne Wienholz

April 21, 2011

Like many of the others, I have not seen Wade for a few years. This such a shock. When I came to Pierce County as a deputy fire marshal over 27 years ago Wade was one of the first fire guys I met. He was excellent to work with and we had a great relationship for so many years.

Wade was an inspiration and a true friend. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

I pray for peace and comfort for all of his family and friends during this most difficult time. May Wade rest in Heavenly Peace and the Lord bless you all.

Tom Poste

April 21, 2011

Working with Wade was such a positive experience. He was a natural leader, highly organized, and quite gifted at getting opposing opinions to a "yes". Wade had such a great sense of humor.
Over the years I have had many opportunities to reflect on the time that Wade and I shared together at SFD. I'll miss him, but those good memories are forever.
Hiedi, our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time.

Krista H

April 21, 2011

Ohhh man, what can I say? Even with his health issues, he was such a positive person to be around. Me and the other nurses loved having him and always mentioned "what a nice guy" he was. I am truly saddened by his passing.

Gary Franz

April 21, 2011

This news was both sad and unexpected... I had no idea that Wade's health issues were life thretening... goes to show a bit of Wade's character as he would never focus on his issues. I met Wade many years ago as a Fire Service colleague. He always had a smile and good things to say about those around him. He loved the business and was very accomplished at it. I cannot remember the last time I met up with Wade but I know it was on the golf course. Wade, you weren't that good but he definitely loved it :-) I pray that peace will be granted to his family who Wade always told us about... May God's Grace and Mercy be shown to them and to all that knew Wade. My deep condolences to the family for the loss of this very special guy! God bless. Gary Franz, Graham.

Tracy Lyon

April 21, 2011

Chief Joyner was always available to help me in my career direction in the fire service. My decision to focus on fire service training comes, in part, from many hours of talking in his Fife office. My condolences to the family for their loss of a great man and teacher.

Susan Antilla Holmes

April 21, 2011

So sad at the passing of one of the nicest and funniest guys around! I loved his "Yogi Bear" voice and his warmth and friendliness. I'm sorry we never made it to Mama Stortini's for lunch! I will always have very fond memories of Wade, and my deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family!

Craig Williams

April 21, 2011

Wade, you were a great insturctor that just made a class go well. Thanks for the advice and help in the fire service through the years. Your smile and voice filled the room. I am grateful I saw you several months ago to catch up. The fire service is better because of you.

Paul Webb

April 20, 2011

It's been a few years since I last talked with Wade. I will never forget his easy-going style and friendly manner. I always had a lot of liking and respect for him. The Fire Service and the rest of society has indeed lost one of the "greats".

John Doan

April 20, 2011

Wade was the first fire chief I ever worked with. From the first day I started in Sumner, Wade always showed me around, taught me how the fire service works, involved me in things like emergency management, and was a strident advocate for the fire department. The improvements that he started in 1991 were the first steps to the outstanding department that serves the community now. Wade made Sumner better. He was also just a good guy.

Sonny Turner

April 20, 2011

Wade,
You were always such a funny guy, you had a way of making us all laugh, our reunions will never be the same . It has been a good run, you have had a wonderful life and made such a difference ,way to short but very well lived ! We will always remember your smile and huge laugh ! Thank you for the memories !
Sonny and Pee-Wee Turner

Larry Johnston

April 20, 2011

Wade, Sorry we did not get to play that round of "swing and swear" we spoke of last month. Thanks for the call and the great visit we had. Thanks for your friendship through the years. Our next HS reunion/golf tournament will simply not be the same without you there.
Rest in peace my friend and until we meet again, hit em hard, straight with a gentle fade.
Love ya bro.

Steve Stringfellow

April 20, 2011

Wade, you will always be my crazy buddy and firefighter brother. I cherish the times we shared as firefighters, your sense of humor and deep hearty laugh. You'll always be "Uncle Wadey" to me and I will miss you dearly, your pal String.

Damian Jenkins

April 20, 2011

Heidi,
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. My thoughts and prayers will always be with you. Love you!

Jeff Jensen

April 20, 2011

Wade was a mentor of mine. He convinced me to enter the Fire Service and we worked together for 12 years. His compassion, dedication and leadership helped Fire District 10 (Fife) grow and develop through the years. Wade trained and encouraged many young firefighters to reach beyond themselves and to serve others. His impact can be seen in Fire Departments all across the state. We all had a lot of fun in the process. From pool in the white spot to golf anywhere if the activity involved a ball that could be pushed, hit, kicked, thrown of caught Wade was in. So Thanks Wade for all of the great memories and Keep hitting it long and straight.
Jeff & Karen Jensen

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